Flying-machine.



Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

6SHEBTSSHEET l.

3 Kw E. t

P. A. NILQON.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.12,1911.

LUUQNSQ.

P. A. NILSON FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.12,1911.

LOOQJFSU, Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

P. A. NILSON.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.12,1911.

Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

6 SHEETS-SHEET 31 P. A. NILSON.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 11111.12, 1911.

1,009,780. Patented Nov. 28,1911.

GSHEETS-SHEET 4.

P. A. NILSON.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN.12, 1911.

1,009,780, Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

6 SHEETSSHEBT 5.

H r a f P. A.- NILSON.

FLYING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED 1111.12, 1911.

1,009,780. Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

jg J6 5:25 v

Swumtoz flr i li'svn,

PEER .A. .NILSUN, 0F PHILADELPI-Im PENNSYLVANIA.

shrine-Machine.

incense.

tpeciflcation of Letters Patent.

Patented Nov. 28, 1911.

Application filed January 12, 1911. serial No. d02,158.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it knownthat I, .PEHR A. Nncson, a citizen of the United States, residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Flying-Machines, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to improvements in flying machines, the primary object of the invention being to provide a machine of this character composed of aluminum or other light sheet metal with an improved arrangement of telescoping body and'folding wings, which will allow the 'machineto occupy'a comparatively small space when not in use.

A further object is to rovide the machine with improved spring 'ckers which serve to elevate the machine, .allowing it to rise from. a given point and overcoming the necessity of a running start as is common with machines in use.

A further object is to provide these kickers 1 with web-feet and sharp toe nails which will grasp firmly in the ground insuring an upward and forward movement of the ship when starting fromthe ground, and whichwhenthe machine is in the water will propel the ship through the water, or will so engage the water as to cause the ship to jump out of the water.

A furtherobject is to provide a ship of this character which may alight on the water, move along the water and jump from the water, and move through the air whenever desired.

A further object is to provide an improved construction and arrangement of propellers employing worm or .screw propellers in addition to the ordinary rotary propeller, and also provide improved vibrating wings operating much like the wings of an ordinary insect, which are adapted to maintain the machine in the air or travel at a very low speed.

A further'object is to provide improved means for steering the ship, in which pivoted steering blades are provided to steer the machine to right or left, and are con nected te fiexible ends which are moved upwardly and downwardly to guide the machine vertically.

A.-further object is to provide improvements of this character which may of course be adapted for any size of machine, but especially designed as a machine for carry- .ing.passengers, and a means for transporter-1 tion of freight, and which may be equipped with all up-todate apparatus such as w1reless telegraphy and be fitted up for the comfort of passengers for an extended journey, provision being made for the accommodation. of an aviator and an engineer, and such other crew as the ship may require, and the machine is preferably designed in so far as possible to resemble a bird with the maximum of weight below to insure a stabilityof the machine in treacherous wind.

"With these and other objectsin view, the

bottom plan view. Fig. 5, is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in longitudinal section and partly in elevation illustrating the kicker mechanism. Fig. 6, is an enlarged sectional view on the line 6-6 of Fig. 1. Fig. 7, is an enlarged sectional view on the line 7-'? of Fig. 1. Fig. 8, is an enlarged fragmentary view in longitudinal section illus trating the worm or screw propellers. Fig. 9, is a perspective view of one of the wings. Fig. 10, is a view in end elevation on a reduced scale. Figs. 11, and 12, are perspective views of the two telescoping top plates, and Fig-l3, is a perspective view of one of the web feet.

For convenience of description, I have divided the machine into a longitudinal lower body portion 1, an upper propeller casing 2, and telescoping top sections 3 and 4 fitted over tubular edges 5 of the propeller casing to telescope thereon and on each other, so that they may be readily removed when it is desired to store the machine. These telescop-' ing top sections are metal pistes, which are elastic, and are curved at their edges so that they slide onto the tubular edges 5, and onto each other, as seen in Figs. 1, and 3. In order to accomplish this telescoping action of the sections or plates, the rear sectidn 3 has its relied edge slightly larger than the rolled edge of plate 4C.

The body 1, casing 2, and the top sections 3 and 4 are all preferably of sheet aluminum, so as to secure the least weight with the desired strength, and the ends of the body portion 1, which slope or incline to a' point, constitute passenger compartments in which seats 5 are provided, and windows of glass or mica 6 are located in said end portions.

7, represents the engine or motorlocated amidships controlled by the engineer, who is seated upon a chair 8, and 9 is a chair for the aviator located forward and in a higher plane than the seats for the passeng'ers, these chairs or seats being positioned for the control of the ship in its several operations as will be hereinafter explained.

The motor or engine 7 drives a shaft 10 which extends through the body 1, and is preferably provided at its rear end with a propeller 11. In the propeller casing 2, two longitudinal cylinders 12, 12, are located and contain worm or screw propellers 13 which are secured upon shafts 14, and said shafts at their rear ends preferably provided with ordinary propellers 15. Shafts 14, at their forward ends, are connected by sprocket wheels 16 and sprocket chains 17, with sprocket wheels 18 on drive shaft 10, so that when the engine or motor is running all of the propellers are moving.

The top plate sections 3 and 4 as above stated are flexible, and at their ends project beyond the ends of the propeller casing 2, so that they may be bent vertically to guide the machine up or down. On these ends pivoted vanes 19 and 20 respectively are mounted, and are adapted to guide the machine to right and left.

The bending of the ends vertically is controlled by wires 21, which connect to the respective ends of the pivot pins 22 of vanes 19 and 20, and are controlled by cords or hangers 23. The vanes 19 and 20 are swung to the right and left by means of cords 24,

which connect with a drum 25 operated by means of a hand wheel 26. This hand wheel 26 and the hangers 23 are in close proximity to the aviators seat 9, so that he may readily control the direction of flight.

While I refer to the parts 21 and 24 as cords, it is probable that these parts will be wire, but the invention is in no wise limited to any particular form of flexible connecting device.

In the frame 27, which projects up through the body of the machine, a vibrator 28 is pivotally supported between its ends, and to the top of the body laterally projecting wings 29 are connected. Thesewings are hinged at one edge as shown at 30, and are adapted to be swung back to occupy small space. In normal position, howeveig'they are swung to the position shown in Fig. 2, at right angles to the body of the ship, and are provided with interlocking flanges 31 secured by a bolt 32.

The vibrator 28 comprises a double winged structure consisting of a wire or metal outline having sheets 33 of flexible material secured to said outline at the forward edges of the wings only. These flexible sheets operate as flap valves, opening as the Wings move upwardly, and closing when the wings move downwardly, so that the downward movement of the wings exerts a pressure on the air, while the upward movement of the fulcrum point. This star wheel and lugs operate the same as the ordinary escapement motion of a clock, so that the rapid revolution of the star wheel causes an oscillation of the vibrator, and this movement of the vibrator has a lifting'tendency to elevate the flying machine. 7

The star wheel 35 is secured upon a shaft 36, mounted in the frame 27, and on this shaft 36 a small sprocket wheel 37 is secured'and is connected by a chain 38 with a relatively large sprocket wheel 39 on shaft 10. On top of the frame 27, an upwardly projecting post 40 is provided and may be used in connection with a wireless telegraph instrument if desired. At the bottom of the body 1, spring kickers 41 are located, the function of which is to toss or kick the machine into the air so that it may immediately begin its flight without a long run over the ground, which is necessary with the machinesin use. 7

Each kicker comprises two flat springs 42 which are connected by a cross rod 43. The ends of these springs are secured to longitudinal flanges 44 on the sides of the body 1, and these flanges are also constructed to support longitudinal tanks 45 which may contain gasolene to run the engine, or may be filled with gas to aid in supporting the machine on the water. The ends of these springs 42 extend beyond the rods 43, and are secured to what I term web feet 46. One of these web'feet is shown in perspective in Fig. 13, and comprises a plurality of hinged toes 47, constituting a frame, which are held in operative position by springs 48, the forward free ends of which being bent down forming sharp nails. I

A sheet of flexible material 49 connects,

the toes 47, forming a web foot which collapses when' moved in one direction, and becomes extended when moved in the other direction, the advantages of which being more fully hereinafter pointed-out.

While I am not limited to any particular number of kickers; the drawings illustrate 5. In a flying machine, the combination w1th a body, telescoping top plates on said body projecting at their ends beyond-the body and flexible, means for bending said ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for moving said ends verticall means for movlng said vanes to right and eft, laterally projecting wings on said body hinged together,'and means for locking said wings in normal position, substantially as described.

6. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, telescoping top plates on said body projectin'gat their ends beyond the body and flexible, means for bending said ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for simultaneously moving said vanes to right and left, laterally projecting wings on said body hinged together, and meansfor locking said wings in normal position, substantially as described.

7 In a flying machine, the combination with a body, telescoping top plates on said body projecting at their ends beyond thebody and flexible, means for bending said ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, means for steering the machine from right to left, an upwardly projecting frame on the body, a vibrator mounted between its ends on said frame, and means for oscillating said vibrator, substantially as described.

8. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, telescoping top plateson said body projecting at their ends beyond the body and flexible, means for bending said ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, vanes pivoted on said ends, means or moving said ends vertically, means for moving said vanes to light and left, an upwardlyprojecting frame on the body, a vibrator mounted between its ends on said frame, and means for oscillating said vibrator, substantially as described.

9. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, telescoping top plates on said body projecting at their ends beyond the body and flexible, means for bending said ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for simultaneously moving said vanes to right and left, an upwardly projecting frame on the body, a vibrator mounted between its ends on said frame, and means for oscillating said 7 vibrator, substantially as described.

10. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, telescoping top plates on said body projecting at their ends beyond the body and flexible, means for bending said ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, means for steering the machine from right to left, laterally projecting wings on said body hinged together, means for locking said wings in normal position, an upwardly projecting frame on the body, a vibrator mounted between its ends on said frame, and means for oscillating said vibrator, substantially as described.

11. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, telescoping top plates on said body projecting at their ends beyond the body and flexible, means for bending sald ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for moving said vanes to right and left, lat erally projecting wings on said body hlnged together, means for locking said wings in normal position, an upwardly projecting frame-on the body, a vibrator mounted be tween its ends on said frame, and means for oscillating said vibrator, substantially as described.

12. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, telescoping top plates on said body projecting at their ends'beyond the body and flexible, means for bending sald ends up and down to steer the machine vertically, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for simultaneously moving said vanes to right and left, laterally projecting wings on said body hinged together, means for locking said wings in normal position, an upwardly projecting frame on the body, a vibrator mounted between its ends on said frame,'and means for oscillating said vibrator, substantially as described.

13. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, of a top on the body project ing at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for'moving said ends upwardly and downwardly, and means for pivoting said vanes, substantially as described.

14. In a flying machine, the combination witha body, of a sliding metal top on the body projecting at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivoted on saidends, means for moving said ends upwardly and 'down' wardly, and means for pivoting said vanes, substantially as described.

15. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, of a top on the body projecting at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for moving said ends upwardly and downwardly, and means for pivoting said vanes, said top comprising two plates, slidably mounted on the body, substantially as described.

16. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, of a sliding metal top on the body projecting at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for moving said ends upwardly and downwardly, means for pivoting said vanes, said top comprising two plates, slidably mounted on the body, substantially as described.

17. In a flying machine, the combination with a sheet metal body having rolled upper longitudinal edges, a cover having rolled side edges mounted to slide on the edges of the body, said cover projecting at its ends beyond the body, pivoted vanes on the ends means for swinging said vanes, substantially as described.

18.- In a flying machine, the combination with a sheet metal body having rolled upper longitudinal edges, a cover having rolled side edges mounted to slide on the edges of the body, said cover projecting at its ends beyond the body, pivoted vanes on -the-ends of the cover, means for moving the ends of the cover upwardly and downwardly, means for swinging said vanes, said cover comprising two plates, one of slightly greater width than the other and telescoping on the other, substantially as described.

19. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, of a top on the body projecting at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for moving said ends upwardly and downwardly, means for pivoting said vanes, metal wings pivotally secured together and to said top, interlocking flanges on said wings adapted to secure them in alinement and transversely to the body, and a bolt positioned through said interlocking flanges, and locking the wingstogether, said wings adapted to be folded backward'on the body, substantially'as described.

20. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, of a sliding metal top on the body projecting at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for moving said ends upwardly and down-.

wardly, and means for pivoting said vanes, metal wings pivotally secured together and tosaid top, interlocking flanges on said wings adapted to secure them in alinement and transversely to the body, and a bolt 1 positioned through said interlocking flanges,

and locking the wings together, sald wings adapted to be folded backward on the body, substantially as described.

- 21. In a flyingmachine, the combination with a body, of a top on the body projecting at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivote on'said ends, means for moving said ends upwardly and downwardly, means for pivoting said vanes, said cover comprising two plates, slidably mounted on the body, metal wings pivotally secured together and to said top, interlocking flanges on said wings adapted to secure them in alinement and transversely tothe body, and a bolt positioned through said interlocking flanges and locking the wings together, said wings adapted to be folded backward on the body, substantially as described.

22. In a flying machine, the combination with a body, of a sliding metal top on the body projecting at both ends beyond the body, vanes pivoted on said ends, means for moving said ends upwardly and downwardly, means for pivoting said vanes, said cover comprising two plates, slidably mounted on the body, metal wings pivotally secured together and to said top, interlocking flanges on said wings adapted to secure them in alinement and transversely to the body, and a bolt-positioned through said interlocking flanges and locking the wings togetherysaid wings adapted to be folded back ward on the body, substantially as described.

23. In a flying machine, the combination with a sheet metal body having rolled upper longitudinal edges, a cover having rolled side edges mounted to slide on the edges of the body, said cover projecting at its ends beyond the body, pivoted vanes on the ends of the cover, means for moving the ends of the cover upwardly and downwardly, means for swinging said vanes, metal wings pivot? ally secured together and to said top, interlocking flanges on said wings adapted to secure them in alinement and transversely to the body, and a bolt positioned through said 90 interlocking flanges and locking the wings together, said wings adapted to be folded backward on the body, substantially as described.

24. In a flying machine, the combination with a sheet metal body having rolled upper longitudinal edges, a cover having rolled side edges mounted to slide on the edges of the cover upwardly and downwardly, means for swinging said vanes, said cover comprising two plates, one of slightly greater width than the other and telescoping on the other, metal wings pivotally secured together and to said top, interlocking flanges on said wings adapted to secure them in alinement and transversely to the body, and a bolt positioned through said interlocking flanges and locking the wings together, said wings adapted to be folded backward on the body, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to thisspecification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

' PEHR A. NILSON.

'- Witnesses".

R. H. KRENKEL, G. E. Po'rrs. 

